Thomas William Panunto, Ph.D., 54, of Emmaus, died July 18, 2013, surrounded by his family, in his home. He was the husband of Mary Margaret "Mitzy" Cullen. The couple would have celebrated 28 years of marriage Sept. 7. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Virginia (Graham) Panunto of Philadelphia and the late William J. Panunto.

He earned his doctorate from the University of Minnesota, received his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and graduated from Drexel University.

He and his wife were the co-owners of Saladworks in Broomall. Previously, he was employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Trexlertown for 22 years until 2009.

He loved dogs, enjoyed baseball, gardening and Japan. One of his favorite experiences was trimming trees at the Imperial Palace in Japan.

He is survived by his wife; mother; children, Antonio T. of Philadelphia, Francesca T. of Honolulu, Hawaii, Dominic T. and Bianca T. "Z," both of Emmaus; siblings, Susan Bush, Robert, Michael and Christine Whittall.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon St., Allentown, 18103 or the Major League Baseball RBI program (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities).

A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Friday, Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus. A visitation will be held 5 to 6 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Following the service at the funeral home, a picnic will take place at the family residence. Email tpanunto@ yahoo.com the number who plan to attend the picnic. Bring your glove and have a catch!